Ford Australia is finally rolling out an automatic
transmission option on front-wheel drive versions of its Transit and Transit
Custom vans. The updated
Transits also get a new 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbo-diesel engine in place of the
old 2.2, with more power and torque but lower fuel use emissions, meeting Euro
6 requirements.
The revised 2.0-litre diesel engine makes 130 Hp and
385 Nm in the Transit Custom (up 5 Hp/35 Nm over the outgoing Euro 5 2.2) but
cuts fuel use by 11 per cent. In the larger Transit FWD 350L models it makes 170
Hp/405 Nm (up 15 Hp/20 Nm). Gearboxes include the familiar six-speed manual or
the new six-speed torque-converter auto for an extra AUD 2800.
The Transit 350E and 470E rear-drive models, plus
the RWD bus and cab chassis models, will retain the old 2.2 engine and
manual-only gearbox for the time being.
The new 2.0L EcoBlue Ford Transit and Transit Custom
vehicles are also fitted as standard with a crosswind assist system that
applies braking on one side to negate wind gusts against the slab-sided van.
Mercedes has a similar system on the Vito.
Other running changes for the Transit
include a new optional City Nav Pack that adds Sync 3 on a touchscreen,
bringing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along. Furthermore, all Transit Custom
and Transit models benefit from a larger reversing camera display that’s now
located on the audio screen rather than the rear-view mirror.
The standard Multi-Function Display
screen size of the Transit and Transit Custom featuring the new 2.0L EcoBlue
engine will be upgraded to a 4.0-inch TFT colour screen. The 2.2-fitted models
keep the old setup.
Ford Australia also claims that you’ll be able to
order the Transit and Transit Custom in up to 100 different colours. The updated
Transit can be ordered now, but full stock doesn’t arrive until June. Base pricing for the new 2.0 is up by AUD 1700, with
the range now kicking off at AUD 39,690 before on-road costs.
